University of Warwick Innovation Campus, Stratford-upon-Avon
The University of Warwick is expanding its campus in Wellesbourne to bring forward 47 hectares of development land for innovative businesses to co-locate their R&D operations alongside leading academic research in a vibrant and collaborative environment.
OPPORTUNITY
The University is implementing a long-term vision to expand innovation activity at its campus on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. The 47.3 hectares
(116.9 acres) of land provide scope for both refurbishment of existing buildings as well as significant opportunities for design-and-build. A draft framework masterplan has been prepared with an emphasis on preserving the important environmental characteristics of the campus and its surrounding countryside, whilst providing a highly desirable location for businesses to establish their R&D facilities. Once the masterplan is finalised, the delivery strategy will offer a range of options for investors and development partners.
Promoter: University of Warwick and partners
Scale: £250m+ GDV
Sector: Office, workshops, conference centre, leisure facilities, café, pre-school creche and ancillary accommodation
Location: Wellesbourne, South Warwickshire
Investment Type: A range of small- and large-scale investment and delivery options
Programme: 2024-2034
Planning Status: Supplementary Planning Document for Draft Framework Masterplan published January 2023
Website: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/planning-building/wellesbourneinnovation-campus-spd.cfm
https://warwick.ac.uk/about/strategy/innovation/
BACKGROUND
The campus at Wellesbourne has a long and esteemed history in bringing together research and industry within an attractive rural location. The campus has been a national research facility for over 70 years, originally established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (latterly the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Academic groups from the University’s School of Life Sciences applied crop research and WMG’s future mobility research are based at the campus, and it is also home to global companies Corteva Agriscience, Lotus Cars and Rimac Automobili, together with a number of SMEs in related technology sectors.
The University of Warwick’s vision for the campus is to provide the opportunity for knowledge-led businesses and associated organisations to share an environment that facilitates innovation and co-creation between academic and industry excellence. The Innovation Campus is some 10 miles south of the University’s main campus in Coventry and is an important part of the University’s strategy – ‘Excellence with Purpose’ – to translate the results of its research to help drive economic growth and social benefit.
DESCRIPTION
The draft framework masterplan for the campus outlines a vision for a low-density, landscaped working environment with high-quality, hybrid buildings providing flexible office and workshop space to suit start-up micro-businesses, SMEs and large companies. The planned development comprises character zones, allowing for innovation premises, collaboration hubs, meeting rooms and social spaces. The provision of on-site facilities – such as a café, pre-school nursery, and sports facilities – is an important part of ensuring both an attractive workplace and access to the campus for local communities. The rural heritage of the site will be preserved through extensive green spaces, nature reserves, and sympathetic architecture.
The sensitive development protects the long-term future of the site as a campus environment, whilst providing much-needed employment land for businesses wishing to locate to the district.
The draft framework masterplan is already available on the Stratford-Upon-Avon District Council website, and the development and investment options will be finalised by early 2024.
PROMOTER AND PARTNERSHIPS
The University of Warwick is currently working with local partners to develop and promote the campus. These include Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
LOCATION
The campus is located five miles east of the world-renowned town of Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of Warwickshire. The M40 Junction 15 and Warwick Parkway rail station are approximately three miles north, providing excellent road and rail links, including fast trains to London. Birmingham International Airport can be reached in 30 minutes by car. The campus sits in open countryside and provides a tranquil landscaped environment, with footpaths and a bridleway connecting to the nearby National Trust’s Charlecote Park and the River Dene. The neighbouring village of Wellesbourne, with a good range of local amenities, is also within walking distance.